Life as We Knew It

Disclaimer: I don't own the X-Men. I wish I did but hey what ya gonna do? A few OC's are mine.

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Chapter 3

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Logan sat quietly outside the door of the danger room. She needed to get this out. He could hear the familiar sounds of damage and destruction as Claudia terrorized the holographic room. He life the past six months had been nothing short of hell. Beginning with the death of her father it had all spiraled. Suddenly the sounds of violence stopped and he pulled himself from the floor. When he looked in Claudia was leaning against the table, her chest heaving, the room in shambles.

"Ya done, nibblet?"

She looked over at a pitcher that had been knocked over. Claudia picked it up and threw it at his head. Wolverine dodged.

"I'm done." She slumped to the floor and let the sobs take her body.

Wolverine sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. Her body shook for a long time before she finally reduced to sniffles. "It's not fair." she whispered.

"I know, kid, I know." Days like today he felt even older than usual. More than a few students had said they would love to trade powers with him. Logan always told them, No, you wouldn't. Many of those children were dead now. The kids he had known as the earlier x-men were old now. Charles had died at 90 years old. Storm had gone soon after him. Logan felt her loss acutely. He had loved her for all their fighting. He had been there to find Gambit, murdered, dissected, by the brotherhood. Now six months after her husbands death, Rogue was dying. Logan had seen it coming. She had cancer before the Cajun died, but when he did… She had been to calm, to resolved at the funeral. He was the love of her life, and she was going to join him.

The door cracked open, "She's asking for you." Emilia leaned in and told them.

Claudia nodded and stood wiping the tears from her eyes.

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Everyone was gathered outside Rogue's bedroom. Emilia had even flown back from California. Students passed in solemn silence. T.J. stepped forward and took Claudia's hand when she came close to the room.

"She's been asking for you." he began, "Mom's got her really drugged, for the pain."

She nodded and quietly entered the room.

Logan leaned against the wall beside Emilia.

"How is the coast?" he asked.

"The same as here only warmer."

"The politics?"

"Only thing republicans and democrats agree on is getting rid of us. A few radicals are with us."

He nodded. "I never thought I would live to see the day."

"You will." she looked up at him. "Hell, I will."

"You think we should merge the schools?"

"Might be safer. We had three kids almost lynched last week. I was about to talk to Scott about it. But then this."

"You know, kids always say they would love my powers. They wouldn't. Because if they had my powers they would have to see everyone they love grow old and die, while they never age. You know I was older than Charles when he died. I Just wish I knew how much older."

Emilia looked at him with sad eyes. She wrapped her hand over his and sent a wave of clam energy over him. Logan closed his eyes and let the peace wash over him.

"Thanks."

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Claudia slowly crossed the dim room. Jean was sitting beside Rogue's bed. When she saw Claudia she stood and touched her arm as she passed. She took the now unoccupied seat beside her mother's bed.

"Hey sugah." Her voice was sleepy and sounded drugged.

"Hey mama."

"What you sad for, baby-doll."

"You can't leave me mama. I need you too much."

"You're gonna be fine. Jean told me you're pregnant again. You need to be strong for the baby."

"What if I lose it again?"

"You won't. You worry to much, baby."

Claudia leaned forward and took Rogue's hand. "I'm gonna miss you so much, Mama." the tears overtook her and she collapsed onto the side of the bed. Rogue began to gently caress her head.

"Don't cry, Claude. I'm always gonna be with you. Always." She looked up and met her eyes.

"I love you mom. I haven't said that enough."

"I love you too doll." she whispered. Her eyes slid closed and she fell back to sleep.

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Rogue died a few hours later, her family and friends gathered around her. They buried her beside Gambit. There was a small service and a small reception afterward. Seven months later Claudia gave birth to her first child, a little girl they named Marie Elizabeth. Soon after that the Xavier Institute of California merged with the Xavier Institute of New York. They had no idea what the next years would bring.

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